But I don't like how elbow sleeves, knee braces, or broken nose masks look, either.

Do I object to players wearing them? The thought had literally never crossed my mind. "Man, Rip Hamilton looks bad in than mask, it ought to be outlawed!" Did you EVER think that? Ever? Viking horns, sure: they should be outlawed. Razor blades on the shoes? Very rude. Rocket skates, hang gliders, plate mail ... there are limits. But braces and masks? No.

Tights appear to serve a functional physical purpose. They look dumb, but so what? Banning them is a foolish, stupid decision.

I personally think the commissioner of the NBA is trying to clean up the "thug" look of the league. But banning things like tights that will keep the players from further injuring themselves is stupid. The NBA should let the NFL be an example. Anything an NFL player wears on the field has to be NFL approved apparel. You see all the players wearing skullys under their helmets, approved by the league. If David Stern wants to clean up the look of the NBA, he needs to do it right.